Update: Five dead after fishermen consume unknown substance at sea

The death toll in an incident where Sri Lankan fishermen consumed an unknown substance found in a bottle floating in the sea has risen to five, the Sri Lanka Navy said.

Train derails between Galaboda and Inguru Oya stations

Upcountry train services have been disrupted due to the derailment of the Badulla night mail train this morning, the Railways Department said.

Transport services declared essential services

A Gazette notification was issued yesterday, declaring public transport services as an essential service

Kohli and Rohit retire from T20 internationals after India triumph

India greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced they had played their last Twenty20 internationals after India’s thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday.

India win T20 World Cup in thrilling final

India won the T20 World Cup title with a thrilling 7-run victory over South Africa in a classic final at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

JSA convenes special meeting to address criticisms of Judicial System

The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL), the organization representing all the District Court Judges and Magistrates in the country, has decided to call a Special General Meeting tomorrow (30) to discuss unwarranted criticisms directed at the judicial system, the Daily Mirror learns.

Missing Israeli tourist found at Sallikovil

The 25-year-old Israeli tourist, Tamar Amitai, who went missing on Wednesday (26) while visiting Sri Lanka, has been found, according to police.

Mahinda Rajapaksa meets Xi Jinping

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Saturday on the sidelines of the 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

EC mobilises key institutions for upcoming election

As the call for an election approaches, the Election Commission has informed several key institutions to prepare for the upcoming Presidential election.

Travel ban issued against Richard Pieris Group Chairman Sena Yaddehige over alleged sexual abuse

Kollupitiya Police have obtained a travel ban against Sena Yaddehige, Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a female business analyst from the company.

Validity of expired passports extended by one year until e-passport issuance

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has extended the validity of all passports that expire from June end by one year until the issuance of the e-passport project takes off in January next year.

Grama Niladhari strike continues

The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance (GNTUA) has decided to continue with their work-to-rule campaign today.

Israeli tourist missing in Trincomalee: Police launch probe

The Uppuweli Police have launched an investigation to locate a 25-year-old Israeli female tourist, Tamar Amitai, who has been missing since Wednesday (26) while visiting Sri Lanka.

CEB to get new salary structure based on performance

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is set to introduce a new salary structure, performance-based incentive system, and promotion process for its employees in the coming weeks.

Sri Lanka offers expertise at UNCOPS 2024 to counter global crime

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said at the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2024) that Sri Lanka is willing to contribute police, gendarmerie and criminal justice experts to combat global organized crime, gang violence and illicit economies to any host nation.

Musk’s SpaceX hired to destroy ISS space station

NASA has selected Elon Musk’s SpaceX company to bring down the International Space Station at the end of its life.

Tamil Nadu’s silence hampers resolution of Indo-Lanka fisheries issue: Minister

In the backdrop of the death of a Navy sailor in the attempt to contain IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said the central government of India alone could not address this issue without the cooperation of the state government Tamil Nadu which is still maintaining stoic silence despite its impact on livelihoods of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen in particular.

Do not venture into Arabian Sea areas till further notice

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea areas till further notice, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department said.

Colombo inflation gains pace in June to 1.7%

Inflation in the Colombo district accelerated in June as widely expected, mainly due to the higher food prices, but the prices still remain largely below Central Bank’s medium term target of 5 percent.

Old soldiers never die, Sarath Fonseka to serve nation further: President

Whilst highlighting that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka is a man of ability who never gives up, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka will get the opportunity of enjoying the services of the former in the near future.

Navy sailor’s death: Sri Lanka registers protest but tones it down

Sri Lanka registered its concerns with India on the death of a navy sailor in his attempt to seize an Indian fishing boat poaching in Sri Lankan waters, an informed source said.

Exhibition of stamps, coins...

An exhibition of vintage stamps organized by Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association was launched at the Public Library in Colombo. Several rare stamps including Sri Lanka’s first stamp and other vintage coins are also exhibited and sold at this exhibition, which will be held till Sunday (30).

Over 1,200 kilos of narcotics to be incinerated

The local authorities are set to destroy a total of 1,208 kilograms of narcotics at the high-powered incinerator situated in Wanathavilluwa, Puttalam tomorrow.

Rare aircraft designed for bulky loads arrives in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) welcomed the arrival of Antonov-124, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, at the Katunayake Air Force Base today.

What is the next operation?

MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka discusses a point with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the function to mark his book launch today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

US Treasury official Robert Kaproth to visit Sri Lanka

Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth from the U.S. Treasury Department will visit Sri Lanka next week.

Cocaine, Kush came as whey protein worth Rs.185Mn seized

Cocaine and Kush worth over Rs.185 million, which had arrived in the country as a consignment of whey protein via air cargo, were seized by Sri Lanka Customs this afternoon.

CID arrests hundreds of Indians linked to online financial scam

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has conducted a widespread operation resulting in the apprehension of 137 Indian nationals suspected of being involved in a large-scale online financial scam across multiple locations in the country.

Iranians vote in presidential election with limited choices

Iranians voted on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader at a time of growing public frustration and Western pressure.

Keheliya further remanded

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested over the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was further remanded until July 12 by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.